BAHIA OF ALL SAINTS, MAGIC AND AXÉ

 

Bahia is the cradle of Brazil. One of the largest states of the country for its territorial extension, it is also great for its economic power. Bahia has a consolidated and competitive industrial sector, its agriculture production stands out in the national scenario and its service sector greatly helps development thanks to its skilled labour, infrastructures and creation of new universities and technical training centres. Bahia is also a tourist paradise. A tourist area of great importance it includes, in addition to Salvador, 17 municipalities that welcome visitors with open arms, typical of the Bahian hospitality.

Natural beauties, culture and history all make this place one of the main destinations to visit during the course of the mega sports events that will be held over the next few years: 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 FIFA World Cup, whereby Salvador will be the host city, in addition to the Olympic Games that will be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 with the football matches held in the Bahian capital. It is also not by chance that Salvador and its surrounding areas have already become important areas for boat races, from regional ones to international ones such as the La Charente-Maritime Bahia - Transat 6.50.

History, the sea and culture: the ingredients of a perfect destination

Capoeira, samba de roda, maculelê and the Carnival are small examples of Bahian culture. A visit to the various municipalities of All Saints Bay allows visitors to become familiar with the many facets of these events that, together with the special way of being of the Bahian people, enchants and charms. Strolling along Salvador’s Historic Centre is like going back in time. We learn about the history of Bahia just by looking at the facades of the century-old buildings that make up the biggest Baroque architectural complex of Latin America. With more than 50 kilometers of coastline that is sunny almost all year round, the ones that stand out the most are the Farol (Lighthouse) and Porto della Barra. The coastline of Porto was considered one of the best city beaches of the world by some of the most important communication medias such as the British newspaper, The Guardian.
Once outside of Salvador another major attraction is the municipality of Cachoeira, only 109 kilometers away from the capital that, in addition to its active participation during Bahia’s war of independence, it also had a historic importance during the sugar cane cycle period. Magical and mystical. That is how Cachoeira is considered. Because of its religious syncretism it brings together the Catholic religion with the rituals of candomblé.

An icon of this tradition is the Good Death Festival held each year in August. During this festival parades, processions and mass are held in addition to samba de roda and capoeira events depicting a strong presence of the African heritage in Bahia. A great place for an outing is the Island of Itaparica, only 45 minutes away from Salvador via ferryboat. Divided into two municipalities (Itaparica and Vera Cruz), the island is the ideal place for those who love the beach, relaxation or sports. A visit to the mystical Fonte da Bica fountain is a must. There’s an inscription with the following message for those who want to try the water: “Hey! Fine water. Make old women turn into young women again”. It is this magic embedded in the land, in the beliefs and in the lives of the Bahians that fascinate not only foreign visitors but also visitors from all over the entire State.